Digital 2009 Christmas Card Post

For the 1st, and hopefully only year, I won't be making & mailing Christmas cards, but I didn't want anyone to miss out on the lengthy and incredibly interesting yearly wrap up on our family. Here's the run down:

2009 found Kurt jobless as the economy took down his place of employment in dramatic style. He puts out hundreds of resumes and fills out a multitude of applications trying to secure employment, when low and behold he is hired by a contracting firm in the place of our former residence, Great Falls, MT. He is doing what he loves which is lambasting computer issues for the computer impaired. He works hard for our church ward (that isn't like a hospital ward for the most part) and is trying to live without most of his personal computer parts and gadgets.

2009 found Leslie working as a full time graduate assistant and participating the BSU Educational Technology Master's program full time. The move was bittersweet as she left her incredible friends and beloved home to embrace her missed family and live in the Fairhurst commune. She found a job as the Technology Instructional Coach for East Middle School where she has met the most incredible teachers and staff members and has a job she couldn't love more. She does miss her kitchen utensils, scrapbooking supplies, and belts.

2009 found Hunter finishing his junior year and working at the movie theater which provided free entertainment for his family and an income for his bills. He was thrilled about the move but left behind great friends and mentors. He followed the path of his Great Grandpa to work the summer on hardwood floors with his Uncle Mike. His car broke which was sad for both of us as we have to share and he doesn't share very well. He will finish up his senior year in a few short weeks and then will work to save some $$ for his mission. He is also an Eagle scout so he doesn't have to dodge his Grandpa Lott anymore.

2009 found Cooper in a new school in Meridian with a teacher he enjoyed a great deal. The move has been difficult for him, but he's adapted better than expected. He is in 5th grade now and walks over to my school every afternoon which is a wonderful way to end my work day. He is taking violin in school and is a member of the Young People's Choir here in Great Falls. I love to listen to him sing and hope he continues to work on that talent.

So, if you are still around, that's where we are in this moment. Our home is still for sale in Meridian so we are incredibly blessed to have my parents home to stay in. We know Jesus Christ lives. We are grateful for spiritual guidance and strength as we have worked through this year and for the support of our family and friends. We hope this entry finds you happy and healthy and grateful. Merry Christmas!

Explanation

Meet Wendy, the newest addition to our family. She's Canadian, so she has brought some international flair to our household. Here are some Wendy facts:

She is very thin. She only weights about 3-4 pounds.

She's an insomniac. Sometimes she will lie down but can never get any shut eye. She gets so punchy that she will often find herself in someone else's bed.

She doesn't talk much. Since it's hard to get a word in around here, it's a refreshing change.

Wendy is a prankster. It's almost an obsession. Watch your back.

Wendy is a people person. It's amazing the animated reactions she invokes. People scream, laugh, cry...when they initially meet her. I've never seen anything like it.

She's a party girl, but only likes to go with us. So, if you are ready to meet her, let me know and we'll be glad to accompany her to your upcoming holiday bash.

Ready or not, here she comes.

Squeeze Me

I'm just going to squeeze this in before December. Blog entry condensed style:

Welcomed a new member to the family.

Met the house of mold.

Saw a lady twirl in her skirt time after time.

Was given a lucky stone.

Lost a child, gained an adult.

Had a little help from my sweet in-laws.

Saw a lot of shirtless males.

Laughed.

Cried.

Ate.... a lot.

Saw the exhibit "Poo on a chair"

Slept too little.

Was married longer than ever.

Wished one loving, kind mother a Happy Birthday.

In your face November!

Distant Memory

It's over. October is over. November is such a bully, so I'm going to soothe October by paying homage to our memories.

Hey October, remember when we started off with General Conference? That was one great way to start off a month. Then, remember when Hunter finished his Eagle project?

The snowfall & freezing temps weren't very welcoming, but you ended on a high.

I really enjoyed the opportunity you gave me to teach some trainings. My grandma's birthday was a blast. The Windows 7 party offered some shockers with a set of party goers leaving as another set arrived. Fun times October.

Then there was Halloween. Aside from the wind, it was warm and sunny and full of addictive promise. All in all, you did pretty good October. I would have given you an A+ if you had found a family for our home. I guess you had to leave some fun for November! See you next year and I promise to be more on top of things and ready to decorate and celebrate.

The bird has flown the coop

I've never felt jilted having only boys. Boys are fun to raise. They are fairly easy for the most part, but there is one thing about boys that chills me to the bone. You may remember a previous post titled, "Scouts, schmouts" I wrote. For me, scouts is a pressure filled, treacherous program fill with risk taking in the hopes of attaining a badge, belt loop, knot, or some other masculine trinket.

The epitome of a true scouter is the rank of Eagle scout (do you hear the harps playing...I do). If you dare to take your boys down the path of scouting, be prepared for the wrath of eagle lovers everywhere if your child doesn't make it to eagle scout. There are whispers in the halls and the closer your son gets to the ripe old age of 18, the louder those whispers become.

Here's the deal. I don't do my children's homework. I don't hound them every second of the day about it either. I don't force them into sports. I don't force them into music. If they want to try something, I'll support them (except drugs). I don't micromanage their lives. AND...I don't do their scouts projects for them. So, I'm happy to report that Hunter, at this own direction and in his own, sweet, procrastinistic time, has completed his Eagle project with the help of some incredible people.

Throughout this journey, Hunter has had some dedicated leaders, friends and family who have been loyal to the scouting cause. I appreciate them a great deal. Yesterday it rained, thundered, lighteninged, and hailed...but the dedicated crew pushed on. Congratulations Hunter!!! I knew you could do it.

To all you all whisperers, call me later and tell me who we're whispering at next.

Slow on the get go

It's October, actually half way through October, and I just barely changed my blog appearance (as in seconds ago). I haven't put up a single decoration (packed), baked any Halloween goodies (lack of beaters), and I just started gathering Cooper's costume parts. I'm an October failure this year.

What have I done? Well, I started buying winter gear (still in storage unit) because winter came calling in a megaphone sort of way. I did hang out with a very sick Coops. Stomach flu one week, real flu the next. I did purchase more work clothes because naked isn't in this year. See, I've done things, but I sure miss doing my October things.

I've heard through the grapevine there was an open house at our Meridian home yesterday. I wonder if it's true. Last week was my parents 40th anniversary and my in-laws 44th anniversary. They are 2 couples who know how to stick together through the roller coaster of life. This week is full of crazy..which I guess is fitting for Halloween. Besides my full work week, I have 2 district trainings I'll be doing on Tuesday & Thursday evening. Then, on Saturday, Hunter and friends will be working on his Eagle project and that evening I'll be hosting my Windows 7 launch/Halloween party. The biggest event though...it's my Grandma's birthday on Thursday. Too bad I'm working a 11 hour day. I'll be sure to make it up to her the next week because I love a good birthday.


Speaking of spooky, yesterday I let Hunter go with a group of friends to Missoula to visit Brooke. This was not easy & I'm not fully convinced it was worth it yet.

ps. Did you know my sister is expecting? It's true.

I hope everyone is fully taking advantage of October to make up for my downfall.

Gingerbread personalities

Last week for family home evening, we created gingerbread people in small teams. Kelli came up with the activity and we were pretty excited to play. As we split into teams and began to build our g-people, certain personalities of team members slowly began to emerge.

Our g-people guidebook was given to us before we started our creations.

The teams were split as follows:

Hunter & Leslie
Cooper & Kurt
Mike & Gracie

Kelli was the manager of the activity and Molly was the taste tester.




Kelli handed out the bowls of frosting in the following order: 1st to Hunter & I, then Kurt & Coop & Finally Gracie & Mike.

As soon as Hunter & I received our frosting, I was ready to win. Hunter started dipping the cupcakes, but I didn't feel he was going as fast and efficiently as he could, so I took over. Hunter could care less and started eating accessories and playing with Molly. When Kurt & Coop received their frosting, it took them (Kurt) about 5 minutes to plan out what he was going to do while Cooper kept begging to get started. Mike and Gracie got their frosting and went to town, with little forethought of a final product.



If this was a timed race, Mike & Gracie would have won. They were the first to finish even though they received their frosting last. Hunter & I (basically just me) finished close behind while Kurt & Cooper (really Kurt) took forever to finish. As the leader of my team (not appointed of course), my goal was to create a gingerbread person that closely mimicked the book picture with a couple of original ideas. I think Kurt's goal was to create the most perfect frosting lines in the history of this field while making sure the accessories were symmetrical. Mike & Gracie's goal was to decorate with grandiose style, throwing anything they wanted on.

In the end I think we all accomplished our goals.

Identity Crisis

On Friday, after helping students in one of our computer labs, a student came up to me and asked if I was the "technology expert" for the middle school. Kurt happened to be visiting me at the moment, so I deflected the student toward him but it did make me wonder about my new identity as a working mom. Who am I? Last year at this time I would have quickly replied, "I'm a stay at home mom, wife and student". I'm now a mom, wife, student and teacher, but none of those labels really capture who I feel I am.

I was visiting with my Grandma and she was telling me that she can't think of one thing she is an expert of. I feel the same way. People who are true experts in their field cannot separate their identity from their expertise. They are so entwined they can't be completely distinct. Those people win the Nobel Peace Prize, have highly successful careers in the arts, are the top of their field in athletics, etc. My identity is one of a dabbler. The closest thing that defines me is my religious beliefs. They are tied to my soul and cannot be untangled. Other than that, I have a lot of things I feel comfortable with but not one thing I solely focus on. I'm okay with that.

So when people as me what I do, the list is too long to name. It's as if they are asking me to bundle all of my interests and intriques in a few short words. It just can't be done. I'll let all the experts of their fields continue to make impressive and sometimes frightening societal changes while I work in the background doing good where I can and learning from others. What do I do? I'm a dabbler. What are you?

Routine..new & old

What do frantically shopping for jeans that will fit Cooper, buying a pair of jeans for Hunter in the hopes he will wear them at least once, and traversing retail establishments looking for that last elusive pencil case have in common? It's school time again and it's bigger and better than ever.

Hunter is a senior. I think some dust just flew in my eyes. How can it be? This I know for sure: Senioritis is a real ailment and Hunter is stricken with it. On his first day of school, hold on tight people because this is going to come as a huge shock to you, he wore basketball shorts. The shorts are new. The shoes are new (as usual). The shirt...is old. He's just that kind of kid.

Cooper enters the 5th grade and we were able to enroll him in a school near my job. He has been belly aching about getting back to school all summer and I'm fairly certain he couldn't have waited a second more. He wore his new jeans and hoodie, but the shirt is older. Taking after his older brother, he'd decided the more shiny the shoe, the better.

I'm back in school with a double dose. I began my fantastic job as the Technology Instructional Coach at East Middle School and I started my new semester at BSU. I know I'm still in the honeymoon stage of my job, but I LOVE it. I move fast, really fast. Lunch lasts 10 minutes at the most. My tasks are diverse. Unfortunately, the glitz of my job has overshadowed my normal love of my grad classes. I'm delving deep to find some motivation.

Kurt, Cooper & I ride to our various locations together every day while Hunter heads to seminary (early morning for the 1st time). Gracie peeked her bright eyed head out for a goodbye on the 1st day as well. My busy life was just amped up and hopefully we, as a family, can rise to the challenge.

Reception at Hotel Fairhurst

It was a grand event. The stage was set in her favorite color with a sprinkle of flowers and a puff of balloons.




140 cupcakes adorned the triad of tiers and a chocolate fountain bubbled and pulsated with delight.





We were all there to honor our good family friend, Barbara Lee Raynes and her new groom, Lincoln. My grandma was a hostess beyond measure as she mingled and mixed with friends old and new.




It was such a magical evening that guests arrived 30 minutes early and stayed 30 minutes late. What a wonderful time was had by all.

Back in Blackfoot

Family reunions. Gotta love 'em. Kurt, Cooper & I headed to Blackfoot, Idaho for the Lon & Ruby Lott family reunion. As you know, my sister also lives in Blackfoot, so we had a partial sister reunion as well. I would love to share all the photos I took at the Lott portion of the weekend, but I was always so freezing cold that getting my camera did not appeal to me.

I will say this, some of my more daring family member joined in a human pyramid that weekend and I know a certain scrappin' sister-in-law took a photo. I'm really hoping she will email it to me (both sides) so I can post it.

The reunion just wasn't long enough. I feel like I got a small dose of Lotts and a small dose of Pearsons, but not enough of either.

I did take my camera to the park when Misti & I took the kids. So, those are the pics you get. I have to mention the fact that every night we came home smelling roasty and we just pulled that aroma with us into the Pearson household. Many of you know my niece Bostyn tells it like it is, so it did my heart good when she would lean toward me and take in a long sniff and exclaim, "You smell goooood". For some reason no one else in the Pearson family backed her up.

One more thing. I did get some Pirates Booty from Misti and this delectable chex/golden graham/coconut/almond/gooey snack from Jen. If you beg, she might just give you the recipe.

Punctual...Oh how I wish

We were supposed to leave town an hour ago. Here we are. Things happened. Things out of my control. I'm Type A and punctuality is very important to me, but...

• There was a glitch in Kurt's payroll software and he couldn't leave work until it got fixed


• Kurt did not pack a single thing last night


• There is a weird sound in the van we are going to have to look at (when he is done packing)


• We still need to eat dinner at some point
  

Why is it when you are leaving town, something is bound to bog you down? (Catch the rhyme?) Wish us luck and hopefully no tornadoes will track us down. I'll report on our adventures or misadventures soon.

(Right now I'm using all my mental energy to help Kurt know what he needs to pack next. He said he was done 10 minutes ago. Still waiting....)

I cannot believe it is August and, oh, how things have changed!

Sometimes, when I'm writing posts for the blog, I wonder if I'll ever be able to come up with something interesting to write about again (interesting to me at least). What I have found is I have a lot more to write about the more frequently I write because the longer I wait the more experiences dissipate and become an unmanageable mess. So today is a fresh start with a rewind beginning.

REWIND: July ended on a high. I'm officially employed which means I'm excited, nervous, anxious, relieved and very busy. My job title: Technology Instruction Coach. Can you imagine a better job? When technology and creativity combine, the possibilities are endless.

I finished my summer classes. This summer marks the end of me ever taking classes full-time again. I'll take one this fall. ONE. It seems strangely fabulous.

I went to Moodle Boot Camp. I love saying that because people either pretend they know what I'm talking about and just nod and say "uh huh" or they ignore me and swiftly change the topic of conversation.

I went to the pet and doll parade with my sister, Laura and kids in tow. If you don't have this type of parade, it's where children can get dressed up and/or dress up their animals or dolls and be in a parade. It adorable.



July also signified the end of summer for Hunter. He has basically been gone the entire month working. It's great because he is never anywhere he can really spend the money he is earning. Sadly, his car broke as well.

Another incredible event occurred in the Fairhurst commune in July. My sister Kelli joined me in my current decade..the 30's. I'm on my way out and she is just starting the journey. My sister Misti and my grandma and some wonderful friends surprised her with a chocolate party.





TODAY: There was so much more that happened in July, but it's already fading away. So let's talk today. Today I went to the doctor's office to get a TB shot for the school district. While I was there I was able to hear a man tell about recently getting bit by a rattlesnake and having to walk miles to his vehicle afterward. He said you don't die, it's just very painful. Is that true? I don't plan on testing his theory. I don't really believe it anyway...I think he just got lucky.

I also had to go to the County Superintendent to get an official seal on my MT teaching license. I was SO happy I was able to walk right past the incredibly long line at the motor vehicle dept to the one lone stall for the Superintendent. It was worth all the glares and hateful glances.

Did you know it's Beanie Baby time at McDonalds? Cooper is well aware of it, so today I ordered myself a happy meal so he would get 2 little goodies. Is that against some McDonald rule or something? I did feel a tidge guilty about it.

For the next 2 days I have more Moodle training here in town and then I'm off to the Lott reunion this weekend and to see my sister Misti & her family. I have one more wish floating loudly through the universe and that is hoping my house will sell. And it will.

Bang!

It's July and "Bang" seems to be the theme thus far. Of course you except some bang on the 4th of July and this year was no exception. Part of DJ and fam, Kelli and fam, & Kurt, Cooper & I staked our spot on Central Ave. to watch the annual 4th of July Parade. We were there for over 2 hours. It was a fabulous parade, but 2 hours is a long time with 4 small children, 1 nearby smoker, and melting ice cream. Later, the guys lit off our fireworks which are always a hit. This year the only injury belongs to me with a slight burn on my finger from trying to stick a still hot sparkler into the box so it wouldn't end up on the ground somewhere.

Another bang we can't seem to get away from is the bang of thunder as storm, after storm, after storm rolls in. The 4th of July ended with the bang of a storm and a 4 hour blackout.


Kurt called 911 when he heard two bangs late one night. He's pretty good at deciphering gunshots from fireworks, but I think some manufacturer tricked him.

We have been also lacking in the "bang, bang, bang on the door" department. No one has knocked down our door to steal our beautiful home in Meridian which sits empty and forlorn, just looking for a loving family. In addition, no one has knocked down my door to hire me. It's a bit sad for me as I've just been waiting to teach and now no one wants to retire.

Now that I've banged this post out, it's time to bang out some homework.

ps. I promise I won't do another play on words post for at least a week or so!

Oh Wo!

Wisdom teeth. The troublemakers of one's mouth. Prior to moving, our fantastic friend & dentist offered to remove the last 3 of Hunter's wisdom teeth. Hunter was up for it, so off he went. I think he would have dragged his feet a bit more if he knew what was coming.

The tooth pulling went as fine as could be expected. This was about 10 days before we moved. Hunter lumbered down to the basement to recover in his cave. The first few days, he managed the discomfort with the X-men Trilogy and vicodin. Monday, things took a turn for the worse (we moved that Saturday). He was in so much pain, but couldn't miss any school because he had to finish out his semester early.

He looked miserable and was barely holding it together. Tuesday he walked in from school & wept (which he never does) because the pain was too much. We took him back to the dentist to find out he had 2 dry sockets. Figures. Hunter is the man of many strange anomalies. For the next 3 days he went in every day to get the holes packed and then would rest. Needless to say, he couldn't help much with the move but I'm so happy he was almost healed by the time we headed out and now we don't have to worry about that issue any more.

Edith continued...

The final meeting of Archie has lost it's zing a big seeing as I haven't been on in so long, but I need to write it down or I'll forget it for sure.

Prior to leaving Meridian, I gave Archie the name, address, and phone number of our storage unit with the following instructions, "Someone from the office has to let you in with a key, so make sure to call and let them know the time you will be arriving." I told him this twice. **Foreshadowing Alert**

Tuesday morning, the day the truck was to arrive, my phone rang at 8:20am. Archie. He wanted to let me know that they were at the storage unit but no one was there to let them in. I asked if he called ahead of time and he ignored me, but told me to get there when I could. So I got ready and made it there about 9:15 am at which time I went to the office (right in front of Archie, his truck & crew) where a sign explicitly stated the office didn't open until....10am. Archie was a bit crabby, so Hunter & I took off for a bit and when we got back an hour later, Archie and entourage were in the gate and unloading.

I let him know I was looking for 3 boxes to pull out, my computer, my monitor, and our printer. They found the monitor and the printer in the first hour of unloading (Hunter & I were there in the hot, hot sun for 5 and a half hours while they unloaded). We made our usual donut and drink run, but Archie did not partake of the non-Krispy Kreme donuts. As the day went on, the processor was no where to be found. In an act of pure non-Archiness, Archie apologized over & over because they couldn't find it (not his fault at all). I was close to tears as my dearest Archie drove off and my processor was no where in sight.

Summer classes were going to start and I need some specific programs on my processor. I drove home & waited for Kurt to come home so I could lean on him for a bit. As I told him my sad tale, he reassured me we would find it before classes started. He decided to set up the printer in the meantime. I went to open the door to our lovely office space Kelli & Mike cleaned out for us when lo and behold...there was my processor sitting in a box on the desk. I turned my eyes on Kurt with a look of wonder to which he exclaimed, "YOU MADE me put that in my van to bring here". It didn't matter that he was in the wrong as usual, all that mattered was my processor was in arms reach. Sorry Archie, all that looking for nothing. Until we meet again (hopefully never in this capacity)!

EDITH!

Meet the moving truck driver. You may recognize him. We had the pleasure of interacting with this crusty on the outside, somewhat mushy on the inside with a dash of boundary issues persona during our manic move to Montana.

The day before the movers were supposed to show up, I received a call from the mover's office telling me our driver would be contacting us by 3pm that afternoon to let us know when he was going to show up on move day..Friday. Of course, there was no phone call, so we figured they were running late and would show until about noon on Friday. Keep in mind, we had all of our things boxed up and ready to throw in the truck.

Friday morning, with a stomach full of agitation, I got up and started getting ready. I happened to walk past the front room window when low & behold a HUGE moving semi rounded the corner. I ran to check the time: 8:05 am. Kurt & I about fell over. This began our adventure with Archie. He was a mumbling, grumbling kind of guy who brought 2 box lifters with him. He would throw little jabs at them here & there and then talk about how marvelous they were. I read you are supposed to feed the movers if they are there during meal time, so I asked if they would like some donuts. Archie replies, "What kind of donuts? I'm very picky about the type of donuts I'll eat." I told him I was headed to Krispy Kreme and, with a glint of a grin he said, "Those are the only type of donuts I like. Want me to ride along with you?".

Well that threw me for a loop. Come with me? That wasn't going to happen and when I started listing all the places I needed to go he stated, "Well, I better stay. I need to supervise the guys anyway". PHEW! After getting the donuts and drinks, I figured they would be out of there in a couple of hours. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would take them 8 hours to load my boxes. I quit feeding them, hoping the hunger would drive them. Sometimes I would hide in a vacant room, curl up in the fetal position, and rock away my worries. Meanwhile, Archie was telling Kurt to disassemble this & disassemble that and reminding the "lifters' that if they couldn't get it right he would have to show them how it's done. Oh my. When they finally left, a feeling of sweet relief washed over me, but Archie and I would meet again...on the other side of the mountain. To be continued....

Thinkin' Employment

Now that we've been in Great Falls for less than a week, I've really begun to think about employment. Of course, my number one hopeful desire, is to be a teacher, but it seems they don't have as many openings as I once thought, so I started browsing the job service employment site to see the types of jobs I could possibly qualify for. Let me reiterate: I would really LOVE to be teaching in the fall, but sometimes you have to be open to other possibilities.

I'm a woman of many talents. If there is a need for someone who still likes to do a little moonwalking, I'm the gal for the job. If someone desperately needs a warm body to browse through their fantasticly manicured yard to ooohhhh and ahhhh...call me. If a special someone is searching for a person talented in hiding and then jumping out and scaring people, I'm a pro. As I looked through the Great Falls employment listings, I came a cross a spectacular one, but I'm fairly certain I'm not qualified. If you know someone who can hold their breath for a long time, doesn't mind a humid environment, and has great physical endurance, send them to my blog for the following job information:

Mermaid / 1363925
Wage $10.00 Hourly Location GREAT FALLS, CASCADE, MT, 59403
Local Motel/Lounge seeks a part-time Mermaid. Wage is $10.00 per hour plus tips. Must be a great swimmer and have swimming experience, as will be swimming in pool for the entire shift. Ability to work in chlorinated water, hold your breath for long periods of time, perform in front of public, great physical endurance and work in humid environment. Will work 10 hours per week to include every Friday and Saturday from 8:30 PM TO 1:30 AM. Essential functions: Swimming, holding breath for long periods of time, good physical conditioning, swimming in front of public.
Open Date 5/18/2009 Close Date
Days Off Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Openings 1 Work Schedule 8:30 pm to 1:30 am each Fri & Sat
Lifting Capacity Up to 20 lbs

39 (for reals)

For all of you who haven't heard, I had a birthday yesterday and I loved every minute of it. I turned 39, for reals, not 39 and holding, just 39.

I had lots of birthday wishes from friends and family through phone calls, facebook and websites. A couple of my favorite stores sent me birthday wishes and, as a special gift, my possible jury duty trial was settled out of court so I didn't have to go in.

After cleaning the tops of my cupboards (note to self, cupboards that extend to the ceiling in the next house), Kurt took me out to lunch for my free Red Robin veggie birthday burger. After which he surprised me with an unexpected, drama filled stop by the unemployment office to finish some moving company details.

We came home and Kurt took Hunter to run an errand and to get movie tickets while Cooper went to a friends house for the evening. All of the sudden, I was completely alone...and I liked it...for a minute. Kurt dropped Hunter off before heading to the movie, threw my gifts on the bed, and told me to open them when I want. That guy is a keeper. So, I coaxed Hunter up so I could open the one from Kurt in front of someone and I saved the one from Cooper to open in front of him.

Then, I went to a store I've been wanting to visit with my friend Alicia who then took me to my Walleyball party...and what a party it was. I had the best candy gram given to me and they ordered my favorite giant cookie from my favorite cookie place. They dressed me up like Strawberry Shortcake meets the Hawaiian Tropica model and sent me on to the court, but I eventually had to disrobe...too distracting.

Afterward, a few of us went out for a bit to eat. Those ladies know how to keep me up late at night. I'm sure going to miss all my wonderful friends here. I've learned so much from each of them. Thanks for making my birthday so memorable.

ps. I waited for Cooper to get up this morning to open his gift. When he walked in the room I said, "Coop, I waited to open this until you could watch". He responded, "Why?" to which I replied, "Because it's from you". I opened up the gifts & thanked him but he only said, "I didn't get that for you," and walked away. Another keeper.